HOLLAND FOR A CITY BREAK
In a previous article we took a light hearted look at the City of Amsterdam. One of our readers, quite rightly, has pointed out that certain aspects of Amsterdam, in particular, the red light district and the coffee shop, cannabis culture are unlikely to be found elsewhere in this delightful country. From personal experience we fully agree with this comment, having found The Netherlands to be a clean, well organised country, with a most hospitable people. Even the trains run on time! So why not try Holland for a city break.
THE HAGUE
This is a city with many historic buildings with a long cultural legacy in evidence in over 30 museums. The Het Binnenhof is the centre of Dutch politics and is where the Dutch Parliament meets. Its magnificent Ridderzaal or Knights Hall was built by Count Floris V in the 13th Century.
The Peace Palace was a gift from Andrew Carnegie to the city. Many nations contributed to its construction and it now houses The International Court of Justice.
TheRoyal Picture Gallery Mauritshuis is located next to The Binnenhof on the beautiful Hofvijver Pond and houses Dutch masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Ruebens and Van Dijck.
The Hague also enjoys two great beaches, Scheveningen and Kijkduin.
UTRECHT
This University City is in the heart of Holland and one of its oldest. It is famous for its pedestrian quaysides along its 14th Century sunken canals.
The 112 metre high Dom Tower provides magnificent views of the city, although we think the city is best seen from the water. You have the choice of a Venetian Gondola, a Plof Boat or an electric Whisper Boat.
Throughout the year, Utrecht is alive with exciting festivals. These include The International Spring Dance Festival and The Holland Festival of Old Music. Cultural Sundays see the parks and squares full of dance, music and theatre.
Utrecht is a shoppers paradise with Hoog Catharijne, which is one of the best known shopping malls in Holland. Sidewalk and quayside cafes are plentiful and traditional food includes the giant pancakes sprinkled with icing sugar for which Holland is famous.
MAASTRICHT
Located in the Meuse valley near the Belgium and German borders, Maastricht is the oldest fortified city. City highlights include, The Caves of St. Peter which date back to Roman times and are a labyrinth of thousands of man made passages.
Between 1574 and 1825 mining activities created The Casemates which were used in times of a siege. They are now a unique military monument.
TheTreasure St. Servatius and Our Lady Basilicas are imposing buildings housing many of Maastricht’s artifacts and treasures.
The nearbySouth Limburg Region has medieval castles, Roman remains and vineyards to explore.
ROTTERDAM
Rotterdam is one of the worlds largest ports and is situated on the mighty Maas River. From the 1920s Rotterdam has enjoyed international recognition as a centre of modern architecture. Today it is the only Dutch city with a true skyline.
Architectural features include, The Erasmus Bridge, which connects north and south Rotterdam. The Het Witte Huis (White House) which was the first skyscraper in Europe in 1898. Its height of 45m pales in comparison with modern skyscrapers.
The only survivor of medieval Rotterdam is the St. Laurens Church, a basilica of the Utrecht design. It was built between 1449 and 1525, using brick with sandstone dividing bands.
The De Kiefhoek housing estate built from 1928 to 1930 was considered a daring project with new concepts in its time and was intended for poorer working class families
A visit to the largest port in Europe must includea river tour of the gigantic cargo handling facilities. Due to continual redevelopment, the old inner city docks have become picturesque quayside areas with shops, restaurants and bars. These include The Veerhaven, The Oude Haven and The Delfshaven from where The Pilgrim Fathers set sail for America in 1620.
Shopaholics will not be disappointed with Rotterdam. Nieuwe Binnenweg is the coolest in the city. Witte de Withstraat is right in the centre and the most arty. Bijenkorf is a great department store. Lijnbaanis open 7 days a week and is Rotterdam’s oldest centre. Kop van Zuid is in a former warehouse and houses shops, restaurants and bars. Finally, Biennenrotte Square is one of Hollands largest markets selling food, flowers, fish and books.
ALKMAAR
Alkmaar, a 30 minute train ride north of Amsterdam and is Holland’s Cheese City and is home to Gouda Cheese. The city sits astride The Groot Noordhollandsch Canal, completed in 1867 to shorten the sea route to Amsterdam. Unique are the Floating Bridges, whose centre sections slide under the fixed end sections. Today the canal is mainly used for recreational purposes.
The weekly cheese market has become a major tourist attraction. The cheeses are sold by dealers on a clap of hands. Thereupon the 400 year old Cheese Porters Guild goes into action, carrying the cheese off on ornamental barrows, after the lot has been weighed at the Waag (the official scales), a most photogenic building. In the Waaggebouw (in which the scales are housed) is a cheese museum.
The city centre has many historic buildings, courtyards and old facades in its narrow streets. The 16th Century Town Hall, The Waag and Grote St Laurens Church are among the most picturesque. The ultra modern Canada Square has 5 cultural institutions and showcases art, books, music and theatre
With its Noorder Arcade, Alkmaar is considered the second shopping city in The Netherlands. Its many museums include The National Beer Museum.
Impressive cycle paths are a special attraction in Holland and apart from the Amsterdam-Alkmaar Route, two other national cycle routes pass through Alkmaar
There is no doubt that The Netherlands is a great tourist destination. It offers photogenic old and new architecture, a lively nightlife, beautiful countryside, picturesque old villages, great cycling, an abundance of windmills, interesting waterways and quaint quayside bars and restaurants. The latter serving delicious food, pastries and bread found only in Holland. Its flat terrain makes it ideal for walkers and cyclists. All of this in a clean and well organised country with an hospitable and predominately, English speaking population. So if you are looking for a holiday with a difference try Holland for a city break.
DELFT HOLLAND
Famous Sights and Events
Delft has to be one of the prettiest cities in Holland. With its winding canals and typical Dutch architecture it is a delight to stroll about and to take photographs.
If you have time for only a short visit to the Netherlands I would recommend you spend your time in Delft. It encapsulates all that is Dutch. It is a relatively small city so it is easy to see all the sights and there are plenty of sights to see.
It is probably most famous for its pottery. The distinctive blue and white Delftware is on sale all over the city and prices range from the inexpensive souvenirs to the expensive hand made and decorated pieces. Of course Delftware is not the only souvenir you may be interested in, pretty wooden clogs, real and wooden tulips, little windmills, beautiful lace and stylish jewelry are among the many distinctive items for sale. Of course if you enjoy shopping there are plenty of shops available and some very stylish clothes, paintings and household items for sale. It is a great place for the antique hunter too.
The city is also an historical centre and it is home to the Dutch Royal Family. There are beautiful churches, museums, public buildings and galleries.
As Delft is a University city (Delft University of Technology) it has a good buzz about it and is culturally stimulating as well as socially lively and exciting.
It has five extremely good museums the Royal Delft, which gives guided tours of the 17th Century Royal Delft Porcelain Factory. Museum Paul Tetar van Elven, which houses a large collection of paintings and porcelain. The Museum Het Prinsenhof, which tells the story of the eighty year war with Spain. The Museum Of Mineralogy and Geology and theMuseum Nusantara which explores the history and culture of Indonesia.
Other sites of interest include the Oude Kirk (Old Church) and the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) the latter being the final resting place of the Dutch Royal Family. The beautiful Delft Town Hall where guided tours are available. Most importantly it is the city where the painter Vermeer was born. There is a guided tour of the city to show the places where he lived and produced many of his paintings.
Some of the coming events this summer of 2009 are : The Canal Concert June 23rd, Delft Ceramica (Market) July 15th-16th, Floating Corso August 6th (parade of boats and barges), Delft Chamber Music Festival August 4th-13th, Delft Jazz and Blues Festival August 18th-20th.
The accomodation for tourists range from excellent Hotels to nearby camp sites. I must say if you are going camping or using a caravan you will find the camp sites to be well equiped, modern and usually with plenty of activities on site for both adults and children.
Finally as you would expect in a student city, there are an abundance of lively pubs offering excellent lagers and relatively inexpensive and good food. There are also more expensive restaurants for that special night out or romantic meal.
As you can see for a small city Delft has a great deal to offer the tourist. So whether you are interested in history, porcelain, architecture, photography, great food or a lively night life you are bound to find it here.
A LIGHTHEARTED LOOK AT AMSTERDAM
Posted by Sunny
The capital of the Netherlands is Amsterdam. You have probably all heard of it as it has quite a reputation. You can’t mention Amsterdam without mentioning its seedy side and it’s rather laid back attitude to drugs. But Amsterdam is more than this. It is very pretty and picturesque. Lovely tall narrow houses, canals and barges. Not to mention countless bicycles, a lovely flower market and an abundance of sidewalk cafes and restaurants
Damrak is the main street and leads to the famous Dam Square. To the left of Damrak is the rather seedy “red light district”. Everyone goes here to see the weird and wonderful things in the sex shops, to visit the sex museum and of course to see the “ladies” in their windows. If you don’t know you have wandered into the “red light area” you soon will if you take a casual glance at any of the front windows in the houses there. This can be quite a shock to the system if you aren’t expecting it so don’t take your granny there on her trip to see the tulips of Holland. Or for that matter your granddad. You might just finish the poor old soul off. Not that the flesh on display is much more than your average European beach it is just the shock of it being sort of laid out for all to see.
Also beware when looking for a coffee shop. Don’t ask for one if you just want a cup of coffee ask for a cafe. “Coffee shop” appears to be the accepted place to buy drugs. Which you may be looking for but on the off chance you are not remember “CAFE”.
Right we have that part of Amsterdam dealt with. The rest of it is just as interesting. Near the red light district is the Oude Kerk (Old Church), Amsterdam’s oldest and biggest church. Then look for Oudezijds Voorburgwal 40, by the canal. Look out for the steps leading up to the entrance of the Museum Amstelkring, otherwise known as ‘Our Lord in the Attic Church’. Here is probably one of the world’s most unusual churches that is still in use. It is actually in the attic of several houses. It had to be hidden from the Calvinists as it is a Catholic Church. It is quite beautiful and well worth the climb to view it. Another must see in Amsterdam is the “Anne Frank Huis”. I think most people have heard of her and if not she is well worth looking up and viewing the house is a very moving experience. A definite must see.
The City has some great museums, a particular favourite is the Maritime Museum. If you are into art the City abounds in galleries and Museums and you should allow a fair amount of time for viewing because there is an enormous amount to be seen. Also of interest is the shopping here. The style is amazing. Great clothes, antiques, ceramics, jewelry, diamonds of course and furnishings. You may want to arrange to ship things home. I know I did. My downfall was the antique market and antique shops and the light fittings which were so stylish I just couldn’t resist no matter how difficult it is to get a chandelier home!
My final word on Amsterdam is a word of advice. Beware of pick pockets. I don’t know what the police do there as they aren’t out catching drug dealers but they certainly aren’t doing much to deter pick pockets. So don’t wear your best jewelry or carry your camera openly. A money belt would be a good idea and dress casually rather than expensively, leave the Rolex at home. This probably applies to most major cities but as I live in sleepy old Malta I forget what a wicked place the outside world is!!
